Making movies costs a lot less than it used to. A camera that costs a few hundred dollars can now shoot high-quality video. The best cheap video cameras come in many different styles. These compact system cameras can both take photos and shoot sharp 4K video. You can fit different lenses. They work better in low light than most camcorders.
And you can make interesting shots with “shallow focus.” The first three do not have a mirror. The G85/G80 is the best deal, while the X-T4 is the best choice if you want to take high-quality photos and videos. I would choose the GH5 or GH5S for most professional uses. The BlackMagic camera shoots videos in professional formats, but it can’t take pictures. The XA60 is a simple prosumer camcorder that is easy to use.
It’s easier to film news and events this way. It can also be a good choice for schools because it is easy to use. I started my YouTube channel with a webcam and phone, but I quickly upgraded to a cheap camcorder and then a DSLR. The first thing you should do is fix your audio, so these upgrades came after that. Below we have mentioned some of the best cheap video cameras.
Best Cheap Video Cameras
Canon EOS Rebel T6
Specifications
| Auto Exposure Bracketing | 3 Steps |
| Battery Life Details | 500 Shots |
| Wireless Interface | NFC |
| Connection Type | HDMI, Microphone, Remote Control, USB |
| Sensor Size | Crop Sensor |
If you want one of the best cheap video cameras for shooting video and you like gadgets with lots of cool features, the Canon EOS Rebel T6 is probably the right choice for you. It’s a great choice for people who want to get into videography and DSLRs, and it makes a lot of sense for people who have already owned a Canon camera and want to upgrade.
The main thing about the device is that it combines modern video and photo technologies and is very small. Even though it’s one of the cheaper options, it’s a great video camera that can almost keep up with professional-level cameras. Because it has 18 megapixels, the device can take and record videos and photos of high quality. The device’s 9-point autofocus makes it easier to do your job, even when things are hard.
Pros
- Great value
- Entry into huge range of EOS accessories
- Built-in Wi-Fi
Cons
- 95% viewfinder
- Screen isn’t touch-sensitive
- Limited burst shooting rate
Panasonic Lumix G85
Specifications
| Auto Exposure Bracketing | 7 Steps |
| Battery Life Details | 320 Shots |
| Bracketing Modes | Focus Bracketing |
| Connection Type | HDMI, Microphone, Remote Control, USB |
| Display Adjustments | Brightness, Contrast |
At about $700 with lens, the Panasonic G85 is the best cheap video cameras. I myself use one. It is made of magnesium and has a touchscreen that you can tilt and turn. Both the body and the lens are sealed against the elements. The 12-60 kit lens is sharp and has a useful zoom range, from wide-angle to telephoto. The camera can record in 4K and up to 60p slow motion in HD. And the image stabilization is very good, which makes it easy to shoot with one hand.
The sensor size is Micro Four Thirds, which is smaller than the sensors in the Fujifilm and Canon cameras below. So it doesn’t work as well in dim light. It doesn’t have a headphone jack, but you can use the HDMI port to get sound out. The battery life is fine, but not amazing.
Pros
- Shoots 4K video quality
- Excellent autofocus system
- High-quality build
Cons
- Image quality is average
Panasonic Lumix G7
Specifications
| Auto Exposure Bracketing | 7 Steps |
| Battery Life Details | 350 Shots |
| Display Adjustments | Brightness, Colour, Contrast |
| Connection Type | Composite Video, HDMI, Microphone, Remote Control, USB |
| Display Adjustments | Brightness, Contrast |
If you’re looking for the best cheap video cameras, Panasonic Lumix G7 is your best bet. The best thing about this camera is that it works well for both taking pictures and making videos in any kind of weather. The Panasonic Lumix G7 has great 4k capture, and if you are most interested in videography or filmmaking, you will love it.
With a solid and comfortable grip, the Lumix G7 looks and feels just like an entry-level DSLR. It has two adjustment dials on the top of the camera, one in the back and one in the front. The back dial also has a function button that can be set to do different things. With this device, you can shoot up to 60 frames per second of 1080p full HD video.
Pros
- 4k video or photo
- Responsive touch screen display
- An electronic shutter allows silent shooting & fast shutter speeds
- Outstanding handgrip
- Dust, dirt & scratch protection
Cons
- Not sealed
- Plastic build
Sony ZV-1
Specifications
| Bracketing Modes | Dynamic Range Bracketing |
| Battery Life Details | 260 Shots |
| Display Adjustments | Brightness, Colour, Contrast |
| Connection Type | HDMI, Microphone, USB |
| Display Adjustments | Brightness, ColourFujifilm X-T4 |
The ZV-1 has pretty good image stabilization. The ZV-1 can help you catch up if you move around a lot and don’t have much experience holding a camera. In the long run, you might want to spend money on a gimbal. The ZV-1 also has a Hybrid Autofocus that works very quickly. This lets you pay more attention to what you are shooting instead of all the buttons on your camera.
The ISO and shutter speed are also taken care of for you. You’ll be surprised by how well it works. The microphone is better than what you’d find in a typical DSLR. It’s good enough. Still, you’ll probably want to upgrade in time. This is one of the best cheap video cameras you can buy.
This camera also comes with a 24-70mm lens with a large aperture. This has both good and bad effects. You don’t have to go out and buy an expensive lens, which is good. The lens also moves very quickly. It’s bad because you can’t change the lens, and if it gets broken, you’ll have to buy a new camera.
Pros
- Class-leading autofocus
- Bright lens for lovely video bokeh
- Hotshoe and 3.5mm mic port
- Side-flipping screen ideal for video
- Fits in your pocket
Cons
- Average video stabilization
- Touchscreen still very limited
- Micro USB rather than USB-C
Fujifilm X-T4
Specifications
| Bracketing Modes | Dynamic Range Bracketing, Film Simulation Bracketing |
| Flash Type | Detachable Flash |
| Display Adjustments | Brightness, Colour, Contrast |
| Connection Type | HDMI, Microphone, Remote Control, USB |
| Flash Mode | Auto Mode, Slow Sync |
The Fujifilm X-T4 is better than the G85/G80 in low light and creative shallow focus because it has a bigger APS-C sensor. But it’s a lot more money. It shows colours well, has a good range of brightness, and has a lot of pro video features. It also has great image stabilization, ultra-fast autofocus, 4K slow motion, and HD slow motion that can be slowed down 10 times.
It can be set to log mode, which lets you take pictures with more contrast. It doesn’t have a headphone jack, but a USB-C to headphone adapter is included. It can only record videos for up to 30 minutes (20 minutes for 4k 60p). So, if you want one of the best cheap video cameras, we highly recommend this product.
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Pros
- 6.5-stop in-body stabilization
- Classic controls and layout
- 60p 10-bit 4K internal video
Cons
- The EOS M6 II has more megapixels
- Complex burst & video fps options
- No sensor advances over the X-T3
FAQs
What is the best budget camera for video?
- Panasonic G85/G80.
- Fujifilm X-T4.
- Panasonic GH5 or GH5S.
- BlackMagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K.
- Canon XA60.
What is the best budget camera for low light video?
The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is the best low-light budget camera we’ve tested, thanks to its great IBIS system and low price. Even though it doesn’t work perfectly, especially when it comes to autofocus, this is a great choice for beginners.
What is the cheapest way to shoot film?
If you use a half-frame camera, you can take twice as many pictures on a roll of 35mm film. These are a great way to save money and get the most out of your roll of film.
